Robert Clayton Surface

Robert “Bob” Clayton Surface, 72, of Crystal Falls, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital with his wife, children and grandchildren by his side after a 6-month courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Bob was born on September 12, 1951, to Clyde and Bernice Surface. He was born and grew up in Omaha, NE, until the age of 16 when he moved to Crystal Falls, MI. He made many life-long friends on the football field and softball diamond. He graduated salutatorian and was president of his high school class in 1969. He attended Michigan Tech University for 1 year, then transferred to and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science degree in math education. Bob married his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Margaret (Margie) Ellingboe on June 14, 1975. They spent the early years of their marriage living on both ends of the Upper Peninsula, where Bob had a few different math teaching jobs, and opened an old-time photo shop in St. Ignace and Mackinac Island, but their goal was to make it back to Crystal Falls to settle down and start a family. Once they settled in Crystal Falls, Bob worked for Metropolitan Insurance, built log homes with his brother-in-law at Sculptured Log Homes, taught adult math classes through Community Schools and then began his long-term career with the US Postal Service where he was the friendly face at the post office window for 25+ years. Bob was truly dedicated to his family and community and served for many years as a member of the Iron County Hospital Board and, more recently, as a member of the Crystal Falls District Library Board. Bob had a beautiful voice and sang for more weddings and funerals than we can count, was a member of the church choir, shared his talent in the community variety shows, and sang the national anthem before events. He loved all types of music, was an avid reader, and more recently found a green thumb and interest in gardening. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and had a genuine appreciation for what he had and the simple things in life. On summer days, he enjoyed spending time at the family cottage and could be found wading chest deep in the water and chauffeuring family and friends on the pontoon boat around Lake Mary. In his later years his pride and joy became his grandchildren, whom he called “The Great 8”. He beamed with pride when he would talk about them and was always there to support them in their various activities. Grandpa Bob will always be remembered fondly for his willingness to drive the boat for hours while the kids did water sports, teaching them to drive on back roads, helping with math homework, doing puzzles, telling stories and jokes, and baking his famous “grandpa’s bread”. He was quick with a smile and a big bear hug, had a genuine interest in the lives of others, and was a great conversationalist. Always first to lend a helping hand, he was gentle, kind, loving, and selfless. While Bob left us far too soon, the impact he had on his family, friends and the community will live on in our memories forever. He is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Margie Surface; children Jill (Jamie) Chipelewski of Marquette, Sarah (Tyler) Williams of Crystal Falls and Dan (Jessie) Surface of Crystal Falls; grandchildren Kendall and Kaleb Chipelewski, Clayton, Tanner and Trevor Williams, Hadlee, Lyndee and Calum Surface; brother Paul Surface (Shelley Cantor), sisters-in-law Katherine (Roderick) Haile and Marcia (Dr. James) Heron; many nieces and nephews and countless extended family members and treasured friends. All held him in the highest regard and loved him dearly. Bob is preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Bernice Surface; father and mother-in-law Harold (Hank) and Flora (Puzza) Ellingboe; and brothers Keith and Ken Surface. A Celebration of Life will be held at United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls, MI, on Friday, March 15, 2024, with visitation from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, and service immediately following at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Friends of the Crystal Falls District Library or Iron County Cancer Unit. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Fanous and the wonderful staff at Aspirus Iron River and Wausau Hospitals and Dr. Morel and staff at Marshfield Medical Clinic Dickinson. Condolences to the family of Robert “Bob” Clayton Surface may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Robert Clayton Surface

September 12, 1951 - March 1, 2024